HealthSheets™

Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.

Surgical Treatment for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

The goal of most types of surgery for sleep is to widen the airway. This is so you can breathe more easily. Surgery is done by taking out or shrinking excess tissue where the mouth meets the throat. Nasal and jaw surgery can help correct nose or jaw problems that lead to snoring and apnea. This sheet describes procedures that may be advised for you.

UPPP

Jaw surgery

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

This is the most common surgery for sleep apnea. It trims the soft palate and uvula, and removes the tonsils and other tissue. It is major surgery done in a hospital. Most people go home within 24 hours.

Risks of UPPP

Problems are not common with this surgery. But risks include:

Bleeding

Throat pain

Scarring

Nasal-sounding speech

False feeling that something is in throat

Liquids sometimes going into nose when swallowing

Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP)

This surgery helps relieve snoring. It may also be used in some cases of mild apnea. The doctor uses a laser or electric current to remove some of the soft palate and part or all of the uvula. This surgery may be done over several sessions in the doctor’s office.

Risks of LAUP

The risks are the same as for UPPP, but less likely to occur.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

This procedure helps relieve snoring. The doctor uses radio waves to reduce the size of the turbinates or uvula, nearby tissue, and sometimes the back of the tongue.

Risks of RFA

Mouth ulcer

Nerve pain

Swelling in airway

Pocket of pus (abscess) on tongue

Nasal surgery

Problems in the nose can make snoring or sleep apnea worse. They can also make a CPAP harder to use. A CPAP is a machine that sends pressurized air through a face mask as you sleep. If blockages in your nose are severe, surgery can improve the airflow. It can reduce the size of the turbinates, straighten a crooked (deviated) septum, and remove any polyps. Polyps are overgrowths of sinus lining.